Ways to Wear BB Cream

3 Surprising Uses For BB Cream

BB cream is the multitasker of the makeup world. And we're pretty sure you'll fall in love with it all over again with Allure's three new ways to wear it.

By now, I bet you know all about BB creams. (If not, here's a refresher course: They're supercharged tinted moisturizers, usually with anti-aging ingredients and SPF, and they've become a beauty bag staple for women on the go.) But instead of just slathering it all over your face, try some of our favorite new ways to wear a BB cream. Learn the tricks when you read on.

Sheer your foundation. If you need coverage but don't like the heaviness of foundation, use makeup artist Christophe Dachshund's trick and boost your foundation with a BB cream (he used it on Marion Cotillard at the Golden Globes). The cream will sheer out the texture without compromising coverage much—plus, it gives skin a subtle glow. Mix a pea-size dollop of your usual foundation with an equal amount of BB cream, like Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ($39) (less if you need more pigment), and blend before applying.

Diffuse your blush. To make blush look like a natural flush, layer it under a BB cream. After applying blush (yes, even powder formulas), dab a lightweight BB cream like Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ ($34) onto the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers for a fresh, dewy finish. This tip also works to soften too-bright blush, so reach for the BB cream when you overdo it. If you're prone to breakouts, use an oil-free formula.